BJP, JD(S) join forces to take on Congress government in Karnataka

Bengaluru: The opposition BJP and JD(S) on Saturday decided to coordinate their strategy to take on the Congress government in Karnataka, both inside and outside the legislature, with Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka saying the two parties would jointly raise issues, including Bidadi township, during the upcoming session.

The Congress announced the formation of AI Powered Bidadi township project in Bengaluru South district.

The decision was taken at a meeting between BJP leaders and a JD(S) delegation led by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, as the Opposition parties seek to step up their campaign against the ruling Congress ahead of the elections.


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Ashoka said the BJP and JD(S) had decided to jointly fight the government's alleged move to acquire land in Bidadi and its plans for real estate development there.

"Today, we decided to jointly fight against the Congress government over the land acquisition at Bidadi," he said.

He said BJP and JD(S) would also coordinate protests during the legislature session.

"We have decided to hold a joint protest at Freedom Park when the Assembly is in session. We will take up both aspects, inside and outside the House," Ashoka said.

He said the JD(S) had assured full support to the BJP in raising issues concerning the Bidadi township and alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), besides other issues.

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"From now on, we have also decided that in all major struggles that take place in Karnataka, we should work together," he said.

Ashoka also announced plans to constitute a state-level coordination committee comprising leaders from both parties within the next two or three days.

The committee is likely to have around five members from each party and will also include Union ministers, he said.

"We will jointly take up struggles at the district level as well," he said.

Ashoka said BJP workers would participate in a 'padayatra' (foot march) to be undertaken by Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Bidadi on Sunday.

The BJP and JD(S) leaders, including Kumaraswamy and Ashoka, are expected to participate in the inauguration of the padayatra at around 10.30 am. Nikhil has permission to take out the march up to the Bengaluru border, he said.

On the issue concerning former minister B Nagendra, Ashoka said no decision had been finalised and the opposition leaders would determine the issues to be raised after the Assembly session begins.

The opposition leaders were also considering holding a joint legislature party meeting, Ashoka said.